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For Immediate Release Contact: Patrick Harris Director of Media Relations Ohio Credit Union League pharris@ohiocul.org 800-486-2917

Shared Branching Sets Credit Unions Apart

Locations added at 1.5 a day rate; Transactions more than double in four years

Dublin, Ohio (March 27, 2008) – More than 80 credit unions in Ohio participate in Shared Branching, which allows credit union members to conduct brick and mortar transactions in all 50 states and in six foreign destinations.  Created with members’ convenience in mind, Shared Branching allows credit unions across the country to actually "share" their participating branches with each other, providing service to other credit union’s members.  Branches participating in the network are being added at a rate of 1.5 per day.

The number of Shared Branching transactions for participating Ohio credit unions has increased more than 100 percent from 2003 to 2007.  In 2003, the total number of transactions was just more than 800,000 while more than 1.7 million transactions took place in 2007.  This includes branches of Ohio credit unions located in West Virginia, Indiana, Kentucky, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania.

“While many financial institutions are moving from a less personalized way of doing business, credit unions see the need for personal service when conducting transactions, especially in an unfamiliar location,” said Paul Mercer, President of the Ohio Credit Union League.  “Many members travel leisurely or on business, are changing jobs, or are facing a permanent relocation.  Shared Branching reduces the stresses related to these situations.”

Shared Branching is a free service to members of participating credit unions.  There are more than 3,000 credit unions and/or branches nationwide that serve as Shared Branching outlets.  Credit union members can conduct transactions such as cash/check deposits, cash/check withdrawls, loan payments, account transfers, statement printouts, and money order and travelers check purchases.  All transactions occur in real-time, providing effective solutions for members who need to conduct their financial business at remote locations.  Participating credit unions are also located in Ecuador, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, and Puerto Rico.

Shared Branching locations are easily pinpointed in three ways.  1.) All branches display the swirl logo that identifies a credit union as a Shared Branching location.  2.) Ohioans can find the closest branch location, or find out if their credit union participates by visiting www.sharedbranching.org.  The Web site is a great resource to identify local credit union branches before traveling.  3.) Branches can also be located by calling 1-800-919-CUSC (2872).

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The Ohio Credit Union League, with offices in Dublin, is a state trade association representing 438 credit unions. Credit unions are not-for-profit financial institutions owned and democratically controlled by their members. Ohio credit unions provide savings, loans, and other consumer financial services to their 2.6 million members. To learn more, visit www.OhioCreditUnions.org.